“Thank you, Donald Trump, for surrounding me with dignity”

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s wife and several of his top allies to further increase pressure on the government which is already grappling with an economic crisis.

The sanctions on Tuesday targeted six officials in Maduro’s “inner circle,” including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, and “blocked” a private jet worth $20 million that is reported to be owned by a front-man of a top official.

On the same day and at a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump called on UN members to support a “restoration of democracy” in Venezuela.

“Today, socialism has bankrupted the oil-rich nation and driven its people into abject poverty,” Trump said. “We ask the nations gathered here to join us in calling for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.”

The Latin American country is under criticism for allegedly limiting the powers of the opposition-run legislature, jailing opposition politicians and creating a parallel congress with unlimited powers, accusations Maduro vehemently denies.

Maduro, who says US-backed adversaries have launched an “economic war” on him, insists opposition leaders have conspired to assassinate him and sought to overthrow him through violent street demonstrations.

“I’m surrounded by sanctioned (officials),” he said on Tuesday. “Thank you, Donald Trump, for surrounding me with dignity.”

He nevertheless said he hoped to meet with Trump face to face.